A record crowd is expected June 4 when the taps start pouring at the Keg Liquors Fest of Ale in Clarksville.

Barley Island Brewery was on hand for the 2010 Fest of Ale.

Todd Antz, Keg Liquors owner and founder of the brewfest, said the lack of beer-centered events in the Louisville area motivated him to start this one six years ago. Originally it was meant to showcase local breweries, but it’s since expanded to include many more.

The first Fest drew a modest crowd of 75, but Antz expects this year’s crowd to swell to a sudsational 1,000 people.

“Last year we eclipsed the 800 mark and we know interest keeps growing,” said Antz, adding that the Fest was recently moved to the campus of St. Anthony’s of Padua Church to accommodate the crowd.

“When we started, the only comparable beer event was Brew at the Zoo in Louisville. But since you see much bigger festivals in other cities, I knew we could improve on what was going on here.”

Represented at this year’s Fest of Ale will be more than 40 breweries, four craft beer distributors and six fine wine distributors. That equates to about 150 potential tastes of top-notch brew and vino. (Because of a huge wine event in Indianapolis the same day, no Indiana wineries will be represented.)

Many brands will be represented by actual brewers, while volunteers will pour others.

“We’ve never had a problem finding volunteers to help out with this thing,” Antz added with a laugh.

The event runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is meant to be a leisurely afternoon spent outside. Antz encouraged people to bring lawn chairs and relax in the shade outside the beer tent.

Expect to see Bell’s Brewery represented this year as well.

It is also is a dual-purpose fundraiser: Net proceeds from Fest of Ale are donated to the WHAS Crusade for Children ($5,600 in 2010), and net proceeds from food sales go to a student scholarship fund for St. Anthony’s students.

The St. Anthony’s Men’s Club hauls out its food truck to grill burgers, brats, hot dogs and frying fish and fries.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 on June 4. They can be purchased online or at Keg Liquors.

Designated drivers — which Antz strongly suggests drinkers use — get in free.

St. Anthony’s of Padua is located at 320 N. Sherwood Avenue in Clarksville. For directions, click here.

Keg Liquors is located at 617 E. Lewis and Clark Parkway in Clarksville. Their phone number is (812) 283-3988.